2011 GMC Sierra
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 18 |
| 1991 | 12 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 72 |
| 1994 | 190 |
| 1995 | 261 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 238 |
| 1998 | 190 |
| 1999 | 600 |
| 2000 | 443 |
| 2001 | 264 |
| 2002 | 249 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 188 |
| 2005 | 117 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 59 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 39 |
| 2014 | 101 |
| 2015 | 53 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 61 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
23% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WE WERE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN HOUSTON AT APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH APPROACHING A HILL. WHEN REACHING THE TOP OF THE HILL, THERE WAS A PARKED CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WE SLAMMED INTO THE BACK END OF IT. BOTH VEHICLES WERE TOTALED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150504
2011 GMC SIERRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN PROVIDED THE NECESSARY PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20220311
16% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I OWN A 2011 GMC SIERRA 3500 6.6 DURAMAX DIESEL TRUCK. WHEN THE TRUCK IS "REGEN-ING" THE "DPF", RAW FUEL LEAKS FROM AN EXHAUST COUPLING LOCATED AT THE TURBO AND DOWN-PIPE SATURATING THE HOT EXHAUST PIPE WITH FUEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130328
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE INTERMEDI
Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLTS ARE TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY
Campaign 11V339000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015.
Campaign 14V827000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V339000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V827000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 GMC Sierra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 GMC Sierra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Sierra?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Sierra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.